ScareFest Weekend

Oct 23–25, 2026 · Lexington, KY

Oct 23–25, 2026

Central Bank Center

Directions: Google Maps · Apple Maps

Getting there

Come early: parking, traffic and the Will Call line all take time.
The venue's own High Street lot (in front of Rupp Arena, about 1,800 spaces) fills first. It's $12 plus tax, up to $27 on special-event days, and takes cards and phone payments only, no cash.
Over 10,000 more spaces in lots and garages within a 10-minute walk; LexPark lists downtown parking.
Pick up your pass at Will Call in the Central Bank Center, including pre-ordered ones; no need to print, show the QR code on your phone. Will Call opens early from Wednesday of con week.
Shuttles to off-site events usually leave from the High Street entrance drop-off.

The convention center is accessible and ScareFest keeps its aisles wide.
Accessible parking spaces in the High Street lot (first come, first served, with a state disability placard or plate), and in nearby lots and garages.
Tell security or staff what you need. At celebrity tables it's up to each guest; with an accessibility pass you get extra time to reach the guest at photo ops.
No wheelchair or scooter rental on site; ScareFest points to local rental shops that deliver.
An ASL interpreter is listed for the panels.
Autism or sensory needs: email info@thescarefest.com for help with accommodations.
Service animals are welcome under the ADA; no pets.

Bags, strollers and rolling carts are fine, but any bag may be searched.
Lockers in the pre-function hallway on the main con floor level (level 3), near ticketing.
Kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult, but still need a ticket from Will Call. Expect horror content: parental guidance advised.
Free basic Wi-Fi in the venue. No smoking or vaping inside; smoking is allowed outside, at least 25 feet from an entrance.

Bring cash: many guests don't take cards for autographs, and some vendors don't either.
The photo op sales desk at the show is cash only; to pay by card, buy photo ops online on your phone.
The venue itself is cashless (its food, parking and services).
ATMs around the con floor and pre-function areas on several levels; an information booth can point you to one.

Costumes PG on the show floor. No hate symbols, nothing that looks like police or emergency uniforms, and shoes at all times. If your costume limits sight or movement, bring a handler.
No guns of any kind (real, toy, replica or 3D-printed), nothing that fires a projectile, no hard props of metal, wood or fiberglass, no metal-tipped arrows, no tasers or pepper spray, and laser pointers only with the batteries out.
Check every prop at the Prop Check Table; it's decided case by case. Anything that could pass for a real weapon usually has to go back to your car or hotel.
Bringing a blade to be signed? Keep it boxed or bagged with the edges covered, and hand it over through the guest's table assistant.

Food and drink kiosks on the con floor and one level down, food trucks on the Vine Street side when ScareFest can arrange them, and a sports bar across the street.
Outside food and drink generally aren't allowed inside, except for special diets and young children. Food bought outside is eaten outside.
We couldn't find vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options, allergen information or water refill points listed by ScareFest or Central Bank Center.

We couldn't find gender-neutral toilets listed by ScareFest or Central Bank Center.

Ask security or staff, or an information booth.
If a child is lost, staff secure the building (a "Code Adam"): stop, listen and look around.
Lost or found something? Go to the venue's Security Services or call 859-233-4567 ext. 5100. Found items are kept 30 days.

ScareFest's safety policy bans harassment, bullying, stalking and hateful speech, and touching anyone (or their hair, costume or props) without asking. It doesn't name gender identity or sexual orientation.
Feeling uncomfortable? Security is on site, or ask at the info desk at pre-registration.
We couldn't find pronoun badges or LGBTQ+ spaces listed.

Updated Oct 22